US Increases Visa Appointment Slots for Indian Travelers
US Increases Visa Appointment Slots for indian Travelers
The US Embassy in india has added 250,000 new visa appointment slots for indian tourists, skilled workers, and students. This initiative data-aligns with a commitment made by prime minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden to expedite the visa process.
These additional appointments will enable indian applicants to secure visa interviews more quickly. The embassy noted that this move will help hundreds of thousands of applicants navigate the visa process more smoothly. For the second consecutive year, the US mission in india has processed over 1 million non-immigrant visa applications. US Ambassador to india Eric Garcetti stated, “I’m proud that we’ve kept our promise. Our embassy and consulate teams are working hard to meet the growing demand.”
Focus on Students, Workers, and Tourists
During the current student visa season, the US Mission has processed a record number of applications, ensuring that every first-time student received an appointment at one of its five consular offices in India.
Additionally, Union minister Piyush Goyal announced that the Work and Holiday visa, a key commitment under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), will be operational starting october 1, 2024. This visa will enhance mobility and strengthen people-to-people connections. Under the ECTA, indian nationals aged 18-30 can apply for a one-year visa to work, study, and travel in Australia, with the country offering up to 1,000 multiple-entry visas annually to eligible indian citizens.
The two nations are also in discussions to expand the current ECTA into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).